Louis Rees-Zammit will make his first Wales start since the 2023 Rugby World Cup after being promoted from the bench for Saturday’s Autumn Nations Series Test against Japan. The Bristol wing is joined in the starting XV by back-row forward Olly Cracknell, as head coach Steve Tandy makes four changes to the side beaten 52–28 by Argentina last weekend.
Rees-Zammit replaces Tom Rogers on the right wing, while Cracknell, who made his Test debut against the Pumas, steps in at number eight for injured captain Jac Morgan.
With a quick six-day turnaround, Tandy has refreshed his front row. Nicky Smith and Archie Griffin come into the starting side, with Rhys Carre and Keiron Assiratti moving to the bench.
The loss of Morgan, the British and Irish Lions flanker who suffered a series-ending shoulder injury while scoring his third try against Argentina, means Ospreys hooker Dewi Lake will captain the team—just as he did during the summer tour to Japan.
Morgan’s absence has prompted a reshuffle in the back row. Alex Mann, typically a blind-side flanker, will wear the number seven shirt, while Aaron Wainwright, fit again after hobbling off last Sunday, switches to blind-side.
“We feel he’s got all the qualities to play six or seven,” said Tandy of Mann. “Some of his attacking ability you’ve seen on the weekend and his defensive energy was outstanding. Then bringing Olly Cracknell in at number eight and moving Aaron Wainwright to six gives us a really good balance in the back row.”
Scarlets forward Taine Plumtree and Saracens centre Nick Tompkins return to the matchday 23 after missing out against Argentina, with Rogers dropping out.
The squad features 12 players based outside Wales—11 in England and Montpellier lock Adam Beard—who will be unavailable for the autumn finale against South Africa, as it falls outside World Rugby’s official Test window.
Rees-Zammit’s return to the starting XV
Rees-Zammit earned his 33rd cap when coming off the bench against Argentina, marking his first appearance since returning to rugby with Bristol this summer following two years pursuing an American football career.
The 24-year-old will start for the first time since the World Cup quarter-final defeat to Argentina, aiming to add to his 14 international tries.
“He played a good few minutes last weekend and we feel he’s ready to return to the starting line-up,” said Tandy. “I think we’ve definitely seen lots of how we want to play against Argentina. There was lots to be pleased about – our attack I thought was excellent and I saw a lot of physicality – but there’s lots to improve.”
Saturday’s Test at Cardiff’s Principality Stadium carries added importance ahead of December’s World Cup draw. Twelfth-placed Wales must beat Japan to remain above them in the world rankings and stay in the second seeding pot for the 2027 tournament.
Tandy is still seeking his first win as head coach after taking over in the summer. Wales ended an 18-Test losing streak with victory over Japan earlier this year under interim boss—and current attack coach—Matt Sherratt.
Japan are expected to announce their team on Thursday evening.
Wales team to face Japan
Wales: Murray; Rees-Zammit, Llewellyn, B Thomas, Adams; Edwards, T Williams; Smith, Lake (capt), Griffin, D Jenkins, Beard, Wainwright, Mann, Cracknell.
Replacements: Belcher, Carre, Assiratti, F Thomas, Plumtree, Hardy, J Evans, Tompkins.
Match details:
Venue: Principality Stadium, Cardiff
Date: Saturday, 15 November
Kick-off: 17:40 GMT
Coverage: Live commentary on BBC Sounds, BBC Radio Wales, BBC Radio Cymru, and text updates on BBC Sport online.
